SKILLED WORK REGIONAL (PROVISIONAL) SUBCLASS 491 VISA
A new points-tested visa called the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 allows qualified skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in specific regional locations of Australia for a period of five years. After three years, those who have a visa may apply for a permanent residence visa.
The subclass 491 visa overruled the Skilled Regional (Provisional) subclass 489 visa from 16 November 2019.
Similar to the 489 visa, those seeking this visa must be asked to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, be sponsored by a member of their qualifying family who lives in a rural area, or be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency.
All locations outside of the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth are considered regional areas.
More people will have access to the subclass 491 visa since more than 500 new jobs qualify for it. Moreover, 491 visa candidates will also receive priority processing in an effort to address the demand in regional Australia.
Eligibility Criterion
In order to be eligible to apply under Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa, applicants must:
- be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation;
- satisfy the points test;
- have a relevant occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list- MCTSSL;
- have a suitable positive skills assessment for the occupation;
- have Competent English;
- submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect;
- be nominated by a state or territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative that include: Parent, Grandparent, Sibling (brother or sister), Aunt/Uncle, Cousin;
- be invited by the state or Department of Home Affairs to apply; and
- meet health and character requirements
Point allocation for the 491 visa
There is a revised points system for the 491 visa so applicants have new ways to earn points towards their score. Applicants will get:
15 points = for nomination by a family member or a regional part of a state or territory, instead of 10 points under subclass 489 visa
10 points = for Masters or PhD level Australian qualification in certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) qualifications; instead of 5 points under subclass 489 visa
Partner points
10 points = if one of the following applies:
- Applicant has a skilled partner that means that the partner is under 45 years of age, obtains a positive skill assessment in a j ob on the same shortage list as the main applicant and has Competent English; or
- Applicant is without a spouse or de facto partner (single); or
5 points = if applicant has a partner who can demonstrate Competent English but is not eligible for a positive skill assessment.
Points will still apply based on applicant’s age, qualification, years of overseas and/or Australian skilled work experience, Australian study and English skills, as they do under the 489 visa and other skilled visas.